News Summary: GM edges out VW in 1Q global sales

THE LEADER: General Motors edged out fast-growing Volkswagen in first-quarter global sales as both companies chased Toyota for the world sales crown. Last year Toyota knocked General Motors Co. out of the top spot after the Japanese automaker recovered from a 2011 earthquake and tsunami that hobbled its factories and caused car shortages.

THE NUMBERS: GM said it sold 2.36 million cars and trucks worldwide from January through March, up 3.6 percent. That barely beat Volkswagen AG, whose sales rose 5 percent to 2.27 million vehicles. VW warned of slowing sales later this year in markets outside North America and China, including Europe.

WHAT'S NEXT: Toyota will release its first-quarter global sales figures early next week.